Hermenuetics

Comments

Michelle - I agree with you completely that we have pulled the volunteer concept into the church and allowed it to take the place of service and 'being the body'. I think we need to intentionally think through what it means to resist this cultural pressure in our own ministry contexts (urban, rural, suburban etc).

How have you seen 'serving each other in a way that would woo instead of echo the world' working out practically?

Posted By: nate j | July 13, 2010 11:27 AM

Bravo, Michelle. Your comment on the blue-collar/white-collar distinction in churches was especially cogent, as was your admonition for the church to learn to think again in terms of discipleship. Now that you’ve laid open a genuine situation, however, how do we correct it? I hope to hear more from you on this.

Posted By: Doug Knox | July 13, 2010 4:11 PM

My experience is that persons who have just begun attending are flattered and thrilled to be recruited for "blue collar" jobs.

Posted By: ROBERT SELLERS | July 13, 2010 4:13 PM

I'm not sure what is the point of this writing. Volunteers are volunteers are volunteers. What we, the believers, are doing in a church setting should not be called 'volunteering'? No saying like 'anyone to volunteer'?

Someone has to do things, be paid or be volunteered. Then, a dutiful servant is a better term? Should we say 'doing whatever we like from our heart'? Instead of 'volunteer team' we would say 'heart team'. Would it sound better? I'm just confused.

Posted By: Ounbbl | July 13, 2010 5:15 PM

A primary way to avoid the "problem" mentioned is to do away with the mentality/operation of the Church as a business. The overhead "needed" in order to function has gotten out of control in the American Church. Multiple salaries; huge property purchases (which includes parking lot space, etc.); high comfort levels to appeal to membership continuance; separate facilities for separate age groups; entertainment of all sorts, etc., etc.. These are just a few of the traps we have created for ourselves in the "Land of the comfortable". I often wonder what Paul would say after a tour of the Land. Would we be scolded like the Corinthians, Galations, etc.? What would he recommend as an alternative way to meet? Maybe thousands of small, manageble, practical Churches quietly gathering in homes..... maybe more concentrated, efficient use of time spent in reading/studying the Bible in group; group praying; testimony without microphones; song with simple acoustic accompanyment; encouraging, orderly, gifts of Spirit manifested and shared by all; common meals shared by all.... simplicity has many benefits. And when the Lord adds to the number of people, instead of buying more land to build bigger, split up and start another Church in anothers home to accomidate the increase. Occasionally have all groups gather together in a park, or beach, or mountaintop, or wherever, to rejoice together. Financially support a true, called, gifted pastor (not a hireling), and love him as he cares for the Flock. No need to "organize, denominationalize, charterize, incorporatize"..... just be wize. And when the temptation to grow large, and rake in more finances arises, have the elders control the actions and maintain the simplicity.... keeping things real. Maybe the economy will force this issue to take fruition, but wouldn't it be refreshing to initiate something along these lines ourselves.... voluntarily? Ralph Gaily

Posted By: Ralph Gaily | July 13, 2010 5:58 PM

This post relates to the post I wrote a few weeks back about my "church-skipping" ways and how burnout has contributed to it. Like some of the other commenters, I would be interested to know if you have any concrete ideas for how to change how churches do things (and I wholeheartedly agree that things need to change).

As to Ralph's idea, I was part of a church for a decade that did as you suggest--broke into smaller groups once the congregation got to a certain size, had no paid clergy, did not own any church building, etc. It was a wonderful church, and the lack of clergy (we operated under the idea that all members were "ordained" to ministry) allowed me to volunteer in ways that truly exercised by gifts and passions. I was able to write liturgies and preach, for example. But plenty of us got burned out under that model too.

Posted By: Ellen | July 13, 2010 6:17 PM

I belong to a "BIG" church, and we have several of the trappings that Ralph describes.

We don't use the "v-word" much. An expression one hears on campus is "Every member is a minister." I serve in two ministries; my nametag carries the phrase "Serving at Saddleback."

One of our classes that all members are encouraged to take (we have 4 basic classes. The first is required for membership, while the other three are optional)is about discovering one's gifts and how they fit into a ministry. Members may also propose a ministry.

Some ministries are more "visible" than others. People see me when I'm preparing baptism certificates or handing just-baptized believers towels as they emerge from the baptismal. No one sees me when I'm editing a piece as part of my service to the writing ministry.

But I don't feel the pecking order you describe.

It's important to value the worker, as well as the work (I wish I could remember where I read that blog post a month or two ago). It's part of loving each other, no? Maybe reconsidering the language we use to describe sharing our gifts is a way to begin.

Posted By: Sheila | July 13, 2010 6:43 PM

Thanks for this essay. I have been "serving" my community of faith for awhile now. Lately I have begun to feel the pressures of "volunteering" that lead to stress. If I am truly bringing my gifts of the spirit to the community, then my service will feel good and be good. When I am under pressure, doing that which is beyond my competence or outside of my gifts, then it doesn't feel right and a sense of failure comes to be all too present. It is important for all in the community to be called to service and to identify their gifts that can be offered joyfully. Leadership needs to encourage the discernment of gifts, provide opportunities for the proper use of those gifts, and celebrate the presence of ministry servants in our midst. Then you can call me a volunteer, but I will know that I am using my gifts to minister to the community of faith. No burnout in that scenario.

Posted By: Calvin Preece | July 13, 2010 6:52 PM

Great discussion, all!

Almost from the beginning, the Church has discovered it needs to organize itself (Acts 6:1-7) in order to serve the needs of the body and to spread the Gospel. I’m not bashing organization or a prayerful plan to develop disciples. Not by a longshot. Nor am I averse to someone asking for people to step up to the plate to help out. But I am troubled by a patronizing attitude by some church leaders who view church members more like a box of manufactured interchangeable widgets than individuals with spiritual gifts. This is a recipe for burnout for leader and member alike.

Three positive examples:
One large church I know views service ministries (like cleaning and parking crews) as small groups. The crews work together – yes – but they also pray, learn and socialize together.

After we moved to a new city, my husband and I met with a pastor who said something to the effect of “If the Lord brought you to our church, we must need what God has given you to offer.” As a result of this stance, he was asking a different set of questions of us (and of God) than a volunteer-driven organization leader might ask.

A church we attended just before technology got cheap had a member with a progressive disease who could no longer attend Sunday services because she was on a ventilator. Someone from the church found a company willing to wire both the church and Lynn’s house with the electronics that would allow her to continue to participate in worship services and large group events. Different people from the congregation would go to her home each week to worship (and offer her elderly parents a bit of respite) – and to make this a true, two-way conversation, Lynn would occasionally speak to the congregation from her bed. This continued for several years – and there was never a time when this arrangement ever became a search for volunteers to fill those Sunday slots.

Posted By: Michelle Van Loon | July 13, 2010 11:41 PM

A very interesting thread! Great article, comments and food for thought!

The most difficult things we have to overcome as human beings are self-centeredness and pride. If we serve others because we want approbation or even appreciation,or to build ourselves up before men, we are bound to be disappointed at some point. However, if we do it to serve God, with no thought for ourselves, service will be very fulfilling.

Posted By: Suzy | July 14, 2010 8:31 AM

This is a great article
I do agree burnout does come from obligations and guilt! If we learn to do thngs Christ focused and realtionships wise building people up instead of viewing church as a big business that needs machine parts. We would find that stuff would get done because people would find value in serving each other the way Christ served the world and his 12 disclpes it would be grand

Posted By: adrian | July 14, 2010 10:36 AM

Christians have no obligation to spend time working for a specific Earthly institution, even one called a "Church". We gave our lives to Jesus, not the First Church of Smallville.

So anyone who volunteers for a church _IS_ a "volunteer", and should be thanked. Christian agape love means caring about the health and comfort of those volunteers, and not burning them out.

Posted By: Martin Luther | July 14, 2010 11:33 AM

As just one PK who loves to serve as a CO-LABORER in a MININSTRY to further the gospel of Christ I don't need the "call for service". I have served in many churches and wore many hats thru the past 60 some years. I had to analyze my present abilities and limitations and waited for God to show me what my next ministry would be. BUT I have noticed that many people don't see a need until a canon is shot. I realized that the kitchen, which was used so much during the week, needed to be clean and ready for the coffee ministry to come in early Sunday morning to brew coffee and didn't need to come into a mess that made their job harder than it should be. Because I know that I am doing my part (and don't have to get up at the crack of dawn) and not many people have to know that I do it and I am content. Some would consider this a menial job below their abilities but I have done all the other things, I don't have to prove myself and this is where God wants me at the present time. It isn't BLUE COLLAR WORK, it is a MINISTRY. In fact, it is fun NOT to see my name anywhere and when I first started doing this not even the staff knew what I was doing. I don't need crowns here because mine are in heaven. But getting others to help in ministries can be very discouraging so hang in there leaders and wait upon the Lord.

Posted By: BUT | July 17, 2010 9:17 PM

The dictionary defines "volunteer" as doing work or an activity without monetary compensation. Generally the only way I've heard the term "volunteer" used in the church context is to refer to church office volunteers. It only identifies that they are unpaid vs. the paid church office staff. And it usually means they have less authority, less responsibilities, and more flexibility in work schedule.

Posted By: Louella | July 19, 2010 6:26 PM

Well put! I served (volunteered) at my church for majority of my life and found, that even though I walked my talked to His glory, I wasnt always found credible in the eyes of the paid staff. Over and over again, in transitioning to a new ministry, I felt like I had to prove myself again to gain trust to do accomplish the task. I felt more than equipped to do the ministry God called me to do at the time, I felt invigorated, passionate, excited...however my perception was I hadnt gained the confidence of my church colleagues (paid and unpaid) of that given a staff person. Fortunately God blessed me with some of the same fellow believers (majority unpaid and the pastor) who walked along side me in different ministries.

I decided to get credentialed within the church (read undergraduate and masters degree) because as I get older I realized I didnt have the 2 to 5 years to prove myself in any given position of service each time. I thought if I was credentialed in ministry that I could cut down that 2 to 5 year acceptance period down. I'm not getting any younger. I serve at my church (the same one which I previously volunteered ) now as staff. The transition the staff has from viewing me as a unpaid to paid (except for the pastor) has been difficult. I serve in a small church and to me my salary is really benevolent. I don’t serve in the church for the money.

I specialize in outreach events and in spiritual gifts, conducting such SG inventories as part of my job. I try to help other believers find their perfect fit in the body. I understand the consequences of burn out and guilting people into lay ministry positions. I do not like the word "assimilate" in regards to helping people find a place of service in the church and my current word of choice for such is to harmonize (even that isnt quite the word I am looking for) believers in the church body.

I realized if God calls you to something, you don’t have to be academically credentialed. He will equip you. But the distinction made between blue (unpaid/volunteers) and white collar (paid/staff) workers is appropriate. With God’s grace and mercy, my prayer is that the church body will realize the organization of the church is not like that organization of the secular world.

Posted By: cathenry | July 21, 2010 9:15 AM

Interesting perspective on the functioning of the members of the body. I suppose, in a sense, all who are members of the body of Christ are volunteers since none of us are conscripted into the family, but are members because we have chosen to believe (Romans 10:9--13) and "by grace [we] have been saved through faith, and that not of [our]selves; it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8-9).

I believe, based on Scripture, that "burnout" is evidence of disobedience rather than of a willing servant. God has not called any one of us to do everything. There is not evidence that I have found in Scripture or read in commentaries that says "if I don't do it, it will not get done" or "I will if no one else will" is motivation for doing anything in the service of the Lord. Philippians 4:13 is not my license to fill every vacancy that occurs and is not filled by someone else just because I can. Rather, it is my confirmation that God will enable me to do whatever He leads me/calls me to do. BIG difference!

Not even the apostle Paul was called to do or be everything. He was an obedient servant whose life exhibited the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. He was maturing spiritually and the evidence was in how he lived his life, choosing to bear fruit of the Spirit.

The very basis of Christian character builds on divine love. Romans 5:5 tells us "Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." If we are exercising our gifts of service as we live out our calling according to 1 Corinthians 13, then we will "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"
(2 Peter 3:18). We will be interested in the well being of others rather than ourselves (Eph. 4:32; 5:1-2). Then we will be able to say as Jesus did in John 4:34 that "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work." We will know when we "...[need] to go through Samaria" (John 4:4), when a door has been opened for us (2 Corin. 2:12), and when we are forbidden by the Holy Spirit to enter into a place of service (Acts 16:6-10).

If our Lord often "withdrew into the wilderness and prayed" (Luke 5:16; Mark 6:46), how much more we need to withdraw to rest and be strengthened "for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10)! (Those He has designed specifically for me.)

The issue, as I understand from Scripture, is not what we call the members of the body of Christ, but are the members being obedient to God's plan for their lives and is the motive based on love as described in 1 Corinthians 13? We are the ones that put gradations of importance to the different positions filled by the members of the body, not God, according to 1 Corinthians 12:22-26.

Remember, the candle that burns at both ends eventually meets in the middle and the light goes out. Just as candles made of wax were not intended to burn from both ends, neither are we, as God's children, intended to exhaust ourselves doing what God has not asked us to do. It is as important to know when to say no as it is to know when to say yes to an opportunity to serve.

Thank you for this thought provoking article.

Posted By: Susan F. | July 21, 2010 9:35 AM

Really interesting topic. I have worked as a church secretary/administrator for 4 different churches. As the church secretary I felt it was my job to assist all the people in the church that were doing ministry - which included anyone that had a responsitility within the church (paid or unpaid). People such as teachers, committee members, kitchen workers, bulletin and newsletter folders, the person that took care of the plants, people that shoveled snow off the sidewalks in the winter, etc. I never would have thought to refer to them as blue collar workers - people such as the lawyers that were the trustees, the CPA's that were on the finance committee, the county judge that served on the personnel committee - and so on. Back to the dictionary: the distinction between white vs. blue collar is that white collar workers are considered the professionals and are educated whereas the blue collar workers do the manual labor. Another dictionary definition: volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity, intended to promote good or improve human quality of life, but people also volunteer for their own skill development, to meet others, to make contacts for possible employment, to have fun, and a variety of other reasons that could be considered self-serving. Maybe it's time to consider a new mindset/attitude about the distinction between the paid staff and those that serve without pay. I present workshops to church office workers and I spend a significant amount of time on the topic of working with volunteers in the church office. The next equally important section is about working with all the other people that do ministry in the church. One last thing: in my opinion, the role of the church staff is to empower the people of the church that are doing ministry. Volunteers provide and important and valuable ministry! I'll post on my website (www.churchofficemanager.com.)some text from my workshops on the topic of volunteers; what you can expect from them, what they can expect from you and a list of reasons people give for not volunteering in the church office.

Posted By: Anonymous | July 21, 2010 10:43 AM

I just posted the previous comment and forgot to include my name. I did not intend it to anonymous. Louella

Posted By: Louella | July 21, 2010 11:57 AM

I used to serve a lot at my church, but nowadays church leaders do not care if you have a gift and want to use it for God's glory, they want volunteers to do specific jobs nobody else wants to do. Either because these jobs do not have prestige or because the leaders do not know how nor want to manage their flock. Many leaders nowadays do not want anyone bringing suggestions or advice, so "dear volunteer: please stack the chairs and keep your ideas to yourself".

I have been to a church with great classes on how to identify your gifts, and the pastors were experts on how to avoid and run away from people who wanted to serve. Talk about irony!

Volunteer work at the church nowadays has almost nothing to do with using your gifts or to be part of a body. Unfortunately.

Posted By: Rose | July 21, 2010 2:45 PM

I found your comparison to Habitat for Humanity or Red Cross volunteers especially useful. It seems like, regardless of what the dictionary claims the term "volunteer" means, in our society it means that "I am here of my own accord, I will work while it suits me, and then I will leave of my own accord, and you should be glad because at least I did something." After all, how many people do you know who volunteer for the Red Cross every week? I don't know that many. Most people I know volunteer right after a disaster, they put in a few hours, and they're done until the next storm season. Or, maybe they do Habitat when they're free, but if the weather is nice and a friend lends them the lake house, they have no worries about skipping a week.

Workers in the church (paid or unpaid) should never be like that. Christians should approach serving in God's House the way they approach serving their own house. They don't just skip mowing the lawn or hiring someone to fix a leaky roof without serious thought. Typically, people who don't mow the lawn this weekend already checked to make sure they could get it done Monday afternoon.

I agree that we're doing a disservice to people when we portray an atmosphere that it's ok to serve the church when it's convenient. To me, that was the most significant part of the article.

Unpaid workers in the church should be more like family members who have chores. Just like kids, we don't do it for pay. We might get paid an allowance or something. At other times, we might not. But, regardless of whether we get paid or not, every family member is expected to make the house run smoothly. That's just part of living there, and it should be part of living as a child of God.

Posted By: Trevor from Excellerate church office software | September 8, 2010 12:07 PM